The Houston Astros have dealt relief pitcher Rafael Montero to the Atlanta Braves in exchange for a player to be named later. Montero has made three appearances so far in 2025, allowing two runs over four innings while striking out five. He had an elite season in 2022 when he posted a 2.37 ERA, but hasn't been able to get back to that performance in recent years. Last season, he put up a 4.70 ERA and 1.41 WHIP with only 23 strikeouts in 38 innings. He'll contribute to Atlanta's bullpen in a middle relief role but likely won't see many high-leverage appearances.

MLive's Evan Woodbery reports that Detroit Tigers right-hander Alex Lange (lat) recently experienced increased upper-arm inflammation. He received multiple opinions, and it has been recommended that he completes a period of rest before resuming his throwing program. Lange underwent surgery on his right lat last June, which forced him to begin the 2025 regular season on the injured list. This setback will lengthen his recovery time, but hopefully he'll be ready to resume his throwing program after a period of rest. The 29-year-old reliever is currently on the 60-day injured, so the earliest he could return to Detroit's bullpen will be in late May. Lange had an ERA over 4.00 and only two saves in 21 relief appearances last year, but he had a 3.68 ERA, 1.33 WHIP and a career-high 26 saves for the team in 2023, so he could be in line for a high-leverage role by the end of the season if he overcomes his injury.

Pittsburgh Pirates pitching prospect Bubba Chandler made his second start of the season for Triple-A Indianapolis on Tuesday, tossing four innings of shutout ball, allowing one hit and two walks while striking out eight batters. The righty was dialed in, throwing 46 of his 61 pitches for strikes (75%). Through two starts and six-and-two-thirds innings pitched, the Pirates' top prospect has yet to allow a run on two hits and a 5:12 BB:K. Back of the rotation guys Andrew Heaney and Carmen Mlodzinski pitched well enough in their last outings to potentially hold off a Chandler promotion for a little while longer, so perhaps the 22-year-old gets another start or two at Triple-A, but it may soon be time to consider stashing the 6-foot-3 hurler ahead of his inevitable call-up.

Detroit Tigers right-handers Sawyer Gipson-Long (hip, elbow) and Ty Madden (shoulder) are both scheduled to throw bullpen sessions on Wednesday, according to MLive's Evan Woodbery. Gipson-Long is recovering from a left-hip labral repair and right-UCL reconstruction, while Madden is on the injured list due to a right-shoulder strain. Gipson-Long is currently on the 60-day injured list and isn't expected to be an option for the Tigers at the major-league level until around the All-Star break. Madden, who is also on the 60-day IL, is recovering after straining his right rotator cuff in spring training but will not be eligible to make his 2025 season debut until late May. The Tigers might build Madden up as a starter as he continues along in his rehab and eventually goes on a minor-league rehab assignment, but there's no guarantee he'll have a rotation spot waiting for him when he's fully healthy.

Atlanta Braves infielder Nick Allen, who has taken over primary shortstop duties from Orlando Arcia early in 2025, credits his improvements on offense this year due to better eyesight. Arcia ranked last among qualified shortstops in wins above replacement (0.8) and wRC+ (72) in 2024. Allen had a .537 OPS in 760 plate appearances for the Athletics from 2022-24, but he started wearing goggles this year to battle an astigmatism that affected his vision, mainly during night games. Along with a drop in offensive production since the All-Star break in 2023, Arcia seems to have lost some range on defense. The 26-year-old Allen entered Tuesday's game hitting .278 (5-for-18) with a double, RBI and two steals in five games played. While it's nothing to write home about, and he's not going to provide much power at all, it's notable for those in NL-only leagues.